Erik ten Hag reveals why Tottenham triumph was different to others during Man Utd revival

Erik ten Hag hailed the way his men carried out the gameplan to perfection as Manchester United beat Tottenham 2-0 on Wednesday night.

The Red Devils put on one of their best displays since the Dutch tactician arrived at Old Trafford. Following a goalless first half, Fred opened the scoring just two minutes after the interval. The Brazilian’s shot took a deflection to wrongfoot Hugo Lloris in the Spurs goal.

But there was nothing fortunate about the hosts’ second as Bruno Fernandes made sure of the points.

The forward curled his shot past the visitors’ keeper to leave United fifth in the top-flight table.

It was no more than the north-west giants deserved as they completely outplayed a hapless Tottenham side.

United had 19 shots in the first 45 minutes, with Lloris under constant pressure. And that told in the second half as the capital outfit could not contain United’s attacking threat.

Ten Hag felt his charges have improved of late. But he was particularly impressed by the way in which they were able to maintain the pre-game tactics for the full 90 minutes.

“We had some more really good performances like Liverpool and Arsenal but this was the game from start to the end we were really good and I told the team it was very enjoyable to watch,” he told BBC Sport.

“The plan was to get in those spaces, but you need switch of play, dynamic and get their backline back.

“You have to get the spaces for the shots and it was good to see the transfer of the gameplan.

“The Spurs team is a great team so far, I have analysed them and it was difficult to play them. That is why I am so happy with the performance and it was good to see.”

Ten Hag chooses team over individuals

Fred does not score many goals but he started the ball rolling with the opener. But, far from praise the tough-tackling midfielder, the manager preferred to look at the collective.

“I want to get the best out of all my players but that is to do with team performances and the way of playing, rules and principles to get the philosophy in,” he added.

“Today it was a team performance then individuals can show themselves.

“Today we celebrate this result. Of course we think about Saturday and another big game. We have to prepare really well and the rest we deal with tomorrow.”

Manchester United have now won six and drawn one of their last eight league encounters.

While there is still a long way to go before they are challenging for honours, it is clear that Ten Hag’s methods are starting to pay off.

They are next in action on Saturday with a visit to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. And then it will be back to the Europa League as Sheriff Tiraspol visit the Theatre of Dreams.

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